Fluted heater wire

ABSTRACT

A heater wire for removing condensation from a respiratory gas conduit. The heater wire includes at least one groove disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned in a respiratory gas conduit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled HUMIDIFYING RESPIRATORY GASES, by Neil Korneff et al., attorneydocket number CAFU-IRS110053US1, assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention, filed ______.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled MAINTAINING A WATER LEVEL IN A HUMIDIFICATION COMPONENT, byNeil Korneff et al., attorney docket number CAFU-IRS110097US1, assignedto the assignee of the present invention, filed ______.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled NON-METALLIC HUMIDIFICATION COMPONENT, by Christopher M. Varga,attorney docket number CAFU-IRS110108US1, assigned to the assignee ofthe present invention, filed ______.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled HUMIDIFYING GAS FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY, by Neil Korneff etal., attorney docket number CAFU-IRS120016US1, assigned to the assigneeof the present invention, filed ______.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled REMOVING CONDENSATION FROM A BREATHING CIRCUIT, by Neil Korneffet al., attorney docket number CAFU-IRS120016US2, assigned to theassignee of the present invention, filed ______.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates generally to the respiratory field. Moreparticularly, the present technology relates to humidification.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory humidification systems are used in providing respiratorytherapy to a patient. In general terms, the system includes aventilator, humidifier and patient circuit. The ventilator suppliesgases to a humidification chamber coupled with the humidifier. Waterwithin the humidification chamber is heated by the humidifier, whichproduces water vapor that humidifies gases within the chamber. From thechamber, humidified gases are then carried to the patient through thepatient circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a device for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for humidifyingrespiratory gases, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of an example method for manufacturing adevice for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of an example method for manufacturing adevice for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 4 shows a device for maintaining a water level in a humidificationcomponent, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method for maintaining a waterlevel in a humidification component, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present technology.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for manufacturing a devicefor maintaining a water level in a humidification component, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a computer system used for the method formaintaining a water level in a humidification component, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 shows a portion of a breathing circuit, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a heater wire with at least onegroove disposed thereon, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of a heater wire with at least onegroove disposed thereon, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for automaticallyremoving excess condensation from a breathing circuit, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method for manufacturing adevice for removing condensation from a breathing circuit, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 12 shows an apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 13 shows a device for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 14A shows a system for providing humidification to gas to beprovided to a patient to support breathing, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 14B shows a system for providing humidification to gas to beprovided to a patient to support breathing, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 15A shows a front perspective view of a patient breathing through amask through the upper airways.

FIG. 15B shows a patient breathing with an endotracheal tube, where thepatient's upper airways are bypassed.

FIG. 15C illustrates a flow diagram of a flow of gas during single limbventilation.

FIG. 15D illustrates a flow diagram of a flow of gas during dual limbventilation.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood asbeing drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the subjectmatter will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it willbe understood that they are not intended to limit the subject matter tothese embodiments. On the contrary, the subject matter described hereinis intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, whichmay be included within the spirit and scope. Furthermore, in thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, someembodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and components have not been describedin detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the subject matter.

Overview of Discussion

Herein, various embodiments of a humidification component and methodsfor providing respiratory therapy to a patient are described. Thedescription begins with a brief general discussion of traditionalhumidification systems. This general discussion provides a framework ofunderstanding for more particularized descriptions which follow in fiveseparate sections. These five sections are dedicated and focused on adetailed discussion of particular features and concepts of operationassociated with one or more embodiments of the described humidifiertechnology.

Humidification Systems

Traditional humidification systems for respiratory gas delivery incritical care and patient care settings typically involve a chamber ofhot water which is used to provide vapor for humidifying the deliveredgases. The method for heating this water bath is most often contactheating using a hot-plate or heating element which transfers heat to thewater through a metallic surface which is incorporated into thehumidification chamber. The metallic surface gets very hot and creates adanger of injury to those near the humidification system, since thehot-plate or heating element is accessible to a user.

The presence of this metallic element or base of the humidificationchamber represents significant manufacturing and material costs incomparison to the other materials used in the humidification chambersuch as polymers. It also necessitates a multi-step manufacturingprocess which involves attachment and water-tight sealing of thismetallic section to a polymer section. This traditional method alsonecessitates a mechanism for providing good contact between thehumidification chamber metallic surface and the heating element surfaceto ensure good conduction. Further, after each patient uses thehumidification chamber, it is discarded, along with its expensivemetallic base. A new humidification chamber must be manufactured,increasing the cost of using the humidification system.

Additionally, for customers to use the present-day humidificationsystems, they must obtain a water bag, connect a tube set to the bag andthe humidification chamber, and then fill the humidification chamberwith the water from the water bag.

Embodiments of the present technology provide a method and device for atleast, but not limited to, humidifying respiratory gases, maintaining awater level in a humidification component, removing condensation from ahumidification component and conducting heat utilizing a non-metallichumidification component. Of note, in one embodiment the humidificationcomponent described herein is a structure that retains a fluid thereinfor humidifying. However, in another embodiment, the humidificationcomponent described herein simply refers to the presence of moistureprovided.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the methods and devices describedherein may be used in various modes of respiratory care, including, butnot limited to, non-invasive single limb ventilation, dual-limb invasiveventilation, dual-limb non-invasive ventilation, continuous positiveairway pressure (CPAP), bubble CPAP, bi-level positive airway pressure(BiPAP), intermittent positive pressure (IPPB), bland aerosol therapyand oxygen therapy. In general, non-invasive single and dual-limbventilation refers to the delivery of ventilator support using amechanical ventilator, with one or multiple limbs, connected to a maskor mouthpiece instead of an endotracheal tube. For example, FIG. 15Ashows a front perspective view of a patient breathing with a maskthrough the upper airways (using a non-invasive ventilation system). Adual-limb invasive therapy refers to the delivery of ventilator supportusing a mechanical ventilator, with multiple limbs, connected to anendotracheal tube. For example, FIG. 15B illustrates a patient breathingwith an endotracheal tube, wherein the patient's upper airways arebypassed (using an invasive ventilation system). Further, FIGS. 15C and15D illustrate flow diagrams 1500C and 1500D, respectively, of the flowof gas during single limb and dual limb ventilation, respectively. Moreparticular, 1500C of FIG. 15C, with regards to single limb ventilation,shows gas flowing from a gas source to a ventilator, to a humidifier, toa breathing circuit, to a patient, to an exhaust component. In contrast,1500D of FIG. 15D, with regards to dual limb ventilation, shows gasflowing from a gas source to a ventilator, to a humidifier, to abreathing circuit, to a patient, to a breathing circuit, to aventilator, to an exhaust component.

CPAP refers to the maintenance of positive pressure in the airwaythroughout a respiratory cycle. Bubble CPAP refers to a procedure thatdoctors use to help promote breathing in premature newborns. In bubbleCPAP, positive airway pressure is maintained by placing the expiratorylimb of the circuit under water. The production of bubbles under thewater produces a slight oscillation in the pressure waveform. BiPAPrefers to the maintenance of positive pressure during inspiration, butthe reduction of positive pressure during expiration. IPPB refers to thenon-continuous application of positive airway pressure when, forexample, an episode of apnea is sensed. Bland aerosol therapy refers tothe delivery of hypotonic, hypertonic, or isotonic saline, or sterilewater in aerosolized form, to a patient as a medical intervention.Oxygen therapy refers to the delivery of oxygen to a patient, as amedical intervention.

The following discussion is divided into five sections: 1) humidifyingrespiratory gases; 2) maintaining a water level in a humidificationcomponent; 3) a fluted heater wire; 4) a non-metallic humidificationcomponent; and 5) automatically setting a humidification level.

Section 1 Humidifying Respiratory Gases

Embodiments of present technology provide a non-contact electromagneticradiation heating method which eliminates the need for a metalliccomponent or conducting surface in a humidification component andsimplifies the process of transferring heat to the water volume toproduce water vapor. The electromagnetic radiation passes through thehumidification component walls and/or through a specific transmittingsurface in the humidification component.

Further, embodiments of the present technology provide a method forheating a respiratory water volume (water bath) which utilizes anelectromagnetic radiation emission element or emitter to transfer heatto the water volume. The heated water volume subsequently produces watervapor at a gas-liquid interface. This water vapor is available tohumidify respiratory gases being delivered to a patient. The wavelengthemission range of the electromagnetic radiation emitter as well as theelectromagnetic radiation transmission wavelength spectrum of thehumidification component are chosen such that the water inside thecomponent can receive sufficient energy to be heated to the point ofproviding sufficient vaporization for patient humidification.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation emitter may be made ofceramic or other materials known to provide electromagnetic radiationemission spectrums which are compatible with the electromagneticradiation absorption spectrum of water. Similarly, the material ofconstruction of the humidification component is chosen to providereasonable transmission of the target electromagnetic radiationwavelengths. For example, high density polyethylene may be used.

Electrical energy provided to the emitter is converted toelectromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, but not limited to, theelectromagnetic radiation is an infrared (IR) emission. IR emission fromthe IR emitter is passed through the walls of a humidification componentor a specific transmitting surface incorporated into the humidificationcomponent. IR energy transmitted through the walls is absorbed by thewater inside the humidification component, which produces heat. Theheated liquid water in the humidification component produces water vaporat a surface where it contacts the respiratory gases being delivered toa patient. The respiratory gases which pass through this water vaporregion are humidified by the water vapor so that the patient receiveshumidified gas which is comfortable for breathing. In anotherembodiment, but not exclusive to other forms of electromagneticradiation, the electromagnetic radiation is a microwave emission.Microwave emission from an emitter is transmitted through the walls andabsorbed by the water in the same manner as described above for an IRemission.

FIG. 1 shows a device 100 for humidifying respiratory gases, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. The device 100includes a humidification component 102 and a heating element 110. Thehumidification component 102 holds a water volume 104. In embodiments,the heating element 110 converts received electrical energy 108 toelectromagnetic radiation 120. The electromagnetic radiation 120 istransferred to the water volume 104, thereby heating the water volume104.

In one embodiment, the humidification component 102 is made ofcross-linked polyethylene. While in another embodiment, thehumidification component 102 is blow molded. This manufacturingtechnique enables the humidification component 102 to be a single piece,thus providing a more simplistic design and reducing expenditures forindividual components. Additionally, the one piece design of a blowmolded humidification component 102 makes it almost impossible for aliquid leak to occur. Of note, a “single piece” refers to one continuouspiece of material, or more than one piece of material that are attachedto each other in such a way to appear seamless. In yet anotherembodiment, the humidification component 102 is disposable.

In one embodiment, the heating element 110 is positioned independent ofthe humidification component 102. The term, “independent”, refers to anon-contact position. For example, the heating element 110 does notdirectly touch the humidification component 102.

In one embodiment, the heating element 110 is integrated within a baseunit 106, while the base unit 106 is coupled with the humidificationcomponent 102 and the heating element 110. In one embodiment, the baseunit 106 supports the humidification component 102 at its base 112. Forexample, but not limited to such example, in one embodiment, thehumidification component 102 rests on top of the base unit 106, suchthat the heating element 110 does not touch the humidification component102. In another embodiment, the humidification component 102 is attachedto the base unit 106 at an attachment point other than at the base 112.However, the base unit 106 is still supporting the base 112, as well asother portions, of the humidification component 102.

Further, in one embodiment, the heating element 110 is positioned suchthat it is inaccessible to a user during use of the device 100, thusprotecting the user from the heat of the heating element 110. Forexample, the heating element 110 may be integrally positioned within thebase unit 106 such that, while the humidification component is placedatop the base unit 106, the heating element 110 remains unexposed to theuser during use. Since the heating element 110 is integral to the baseunit 106, in one embodiment, the heating element 110 may be reused forthe same patient or for another patient, even though the humidificationcomponent 102 is discarded.

In various embodiments, the heating element 110 is, but is not limitedto one of the following: an IR emitter; and a microwave emitter. Theheating element 110, as the IR emitter, includes ceramic material,according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred tothe water volume 104 through at least a portion of the humidificationcomponent 102. The water volume 104 is consequently heated up, producingwater vapor.

During the operation of device 100, respiratory gases flow across theheated water volume 104. The water vapor 114 interacts with therespiratory gases, thereby humidifying the respiratory gases. In oneembodiment, the humidification component 102 includes a fluid inlet 116and a fluid outlet 118. The respiratory gases flow above the watervolume 104, entering the humidification component 102 at the fluid inlet116 and exiting the humidification component 102 as humidified gases atthe fluid outlet 118.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred tothe water volume 104 through a wall of the humidification component 102.Referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that in one embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred through the base 112 of thehumidification component 102. However, in another embodiment, theelectromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred through the ceiling and/ora side wall of the humidification component 102.

In another embodiment and as described herein, the at least a portion ofthe humidification component 102 through which the electromagneticradiation 120 is transferred is transmissive to the electromagneticradiation 120, by being a transmissive surface, such as an IRtransmissive polymer, like a high density polyethylene. Of note, in oneembodiment, the portion of the humidification component 102 is of aninexpensive highly transmissive material that is disposable. While inanother embodiment, the transmissive surface is made of an expensivematerial that is not disposable, but which may be cleaned and reused. Inembodiments of the present technology, the selection of transmissivematerials to be used for the humidification component 102 is dependentat least on its transmissivity, thickness and melting point.

In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation 120 is in an IR and/ora microwave spectrum. In one embodiment, the humidification component102 includes reflective surfaces within, wherein the reflective surfacesdirect the electromagnetic radiation 120 to the humidification component102.

In yet another embodiment, the device 100 is used with a legacy device,to heat up standing water that might be present, for example, in theinspiratory/expiratory circuits within the breathing circuit.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method 200 for humidifying respiratorygases, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

At 202 and as described herein, method 200 includes receiving electricalenergy 108 at a heating element 110, the heating element 110. Theelectrical energy 108 received by the heating element 110 heats up theheating element 110, which in turn gives off electromagnetic radiation120, for example, IR wavelengths within a certain range. Some of theseIR wavelengths represent an energy desired for heating the water volume104. While other IR wavelengths are not sufficient to heat the watervolume 104. The electromagnetic radiation 120 needed is a function of atleast the absorption rate of the water volume 104 and the transmissivityof the material of the humidification component 102.

At 204 and as described herein, method 200 includes converting, by theheating element 110, the electrical energy 108 to electromagneticradiation 120. The electromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred to thewater volume 104 through at least a portion of the humidificationcomponent 102. Thus, a water volume 104 is heated. The water volume 104that is heated produces water vapor 114.

At 206 and as described herein, method 200 includes flowing respiratorygases across the water volume 104 that is heated, wherein the watervapor 114 humidifies the respiratory gases.

FIG. 3A is a flow diagram of a method 300A for manufacturing a device100 for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology.

At 302 and as described herein, method 300A includes providing ahumidification component 102 that holds a water volume 104.

At 304 and as described herein, method 300A includes disposing theheating element 110 within a base unit 106.

At 306 and as described herein, method 300A includes coupling thehumidification component 102 with the base unit 106, wherein the heatingelement 110 receives electrical energy 108 and converts the electricalenergy 108 to electromagnetic radiation 120 such that theelectromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred to the water volume 104.The water volume 104 is thus heated to become a heated water volume.Additionally, the heating element 110 is independent of thehumidification component 102.

FIG. 3B is a flow diagram of a method 300B for manufacturing a device100 for humidifying respiratory gases, in accordance with an embodimentof the present technology.

At 308 and as described herein, method 300B includes providing ahumidification component 102 that holds a water volume 104, according toone embodiment of the present technology.

At 310 and as described herein, method 300B includes pre-filling thehumidification component 102 with water, according to one embodiment.For example, before the device 100 is shipped to the retailer, user,etc., the humidification component 102 is pre-filled with inhalationgrade water. By utilizing a pre-filled humidification component 102,humidification therapy is applied to a patient more quickly than havingto first assemble the humidification component 102, spike the water bag,and then fill the humidification component 102.

At 312 and as described herein, method 300B includes blow molding thehumidification component 102 as one piece, according to an embodiment ofthe present technology.

At 314 and as described herein, according to one embodiment, method 300Bincludes disposing the heating element 110 within a base unit 106.

At 316 and as described herein, according to one embodiment, method 300Bincludes coupling the humidification component 102 with the base unit106, wherein the heating element 110 receives electrical energy 108 andconverts the electrical energy 108 to electromagnetic radiation 120 suchthat the electromagnetic radiation 120 is transferred to the watervolume 104. The water volume 104 is thus heated to become a heated watervolume. Additionally, the heating element 110 is independent of thehumidification component 102.

It should be appreciated that the steps of methods 300A and 300B may beperformed in an order different than that shown, and the illustrationtherein is not intended to limit the order of the steps within eithermethod 300A or 300B to that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Section 2 Maintaining a Water Level in a Humidification Component

Existing state-of-the-art respiratory humidifiers maintain a desiredwater level within a humidification chamber using internal floatcomponents which physically move up and down with the water level,occluding a water filling valve opening when the water level rises andopening a water filling valve when the level drops. The presence ofthese float geometries within the humidification chamber complicatesmanufacturing and adds cost to the disposable portion of the humidifier.It additionally occupies gas volume and reduces the water surface areaavailable for heat transfer and vapor production. Furthermore, since thefloats may cause damage to the ceiling geometry or valve and waterfilling components when bumping up and down while being shipped,additional expense is incurred in creating a retaining geometry thatkeeps the floats from moving during shipping.

Embodiments of the present technology aim to maintain a water levelwithin a humidification component without using components internal tothe humidification component. This allows for a much simplermanufacturing process, which is also less costly. Furthermore, thisallows for a completely unobstructed water surface which is thenavailable for transferring heat and mass with the passing respiratorygas. Instead of sensing the water's existence, and ultimately the waterlevel, and using floats that are thrown away with each chamber,embodiments of the present technology use at least one sensor, such asan optical or capacitive sensor(s), which may be conserved for a seconduse or second patient. Of note, in one embodiment, only one sensor isused. While in another embodiment, multiple sensors are used.

In one embodiment, these sensors are incorporated into a base unit whichis external to the humidification component. In this way, the sensors donot occupy any space within the humidification component and do not getdiscarded with each disposable humidification component. The addition ofa plurality of sensors coupled with the base unit also enables theknowledge of the water level to be incorporated into the control logicfor the humidifier. This provides advantages, such as the ability tocalculate other types of information, that existing systems do notoffer. For example, existing systems use energy and temperaturecalculations to compute a lack of water in a humidification component.However, an embodiment of the present technology uses a plurality ofsensors and light to compute a water level or a lack of water.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology utilize components thatremain external to the humidification component to provide a device andmethod for automatically filling and maintaining the water level in ahumidification component. A water level control element, such as a pinchvalve or other similarly functioning valve, is actuated using signalsfrom sensors (e.g., optical sensors, capacitive sensor) which aredisposed external to the humidification component. In this manner, thehumidification component contains only water and does not requireinternal water leveling sensors and/or components, such as floats.

In one embodiment, an optical transmitter and optical receiver areplaced in diametrically opposed positions around the humidificationcomponent. The amount of light sensed by the optical receiver from theoptical transmitter is dependent upon whether there is water presentbetween these sensors. When the water level in the humidificationcomponent is sufficiently high, the water level control element remainsclosed. When the water level drops, this is sensed as an increase in theamount of light received at the optical receiver. Each time the opticalreceiver achieves a target signal level associated with this condition,an integrated water level control element, such as a pinch valve, issignaled to open, which refills the humidification component to thedesired target level.

In another embodiment, a capacitive sensor is used to sense the waterlevel in the humidification component and activate or deactivate thewater level control element. In another embodiment, a reflective opticalsensor is utilized to sense the water level in the humidificationcomponent and activate or deactivate the water level control element.Other types of external sensors capable of achieving the same results ofactivating and deactivating a water level control element may also beused. Further, redundant secondary and even tertiary water level sensorsmay also be used as “fail safes”, just in case the first set of sensorsfail and cause danger to the patient and/or damage to the humidificationsystem.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology provide a device forautomatically filling and maintaining a desired water level in arespiratory humidifier. The device incorporates components, such as atleast one sensor and a water level control element, which are positionedexternal to the humidification component. The water level is sensedusing the at least one sensor (optical or capacitive sensor[s]) whichprovide the necessary signals to open and/or close an integrated waterlevel control element.

FIG. 4 shows a device 400 for maintaining a water level in ahumidification component 402, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. The device 400 includes at least one sensor 410 aand 410 b (hereinafter, “at least one sensor 410” unless otherwisenoted) positioned external to a humidification component 402 and coupledwith a control module 420. It should be appreciated that the at leastone sensor 410 may include more sensors than just sensors 410 a and 410b. However, for purposes of brevity and clarity, only two sensors areshown herein. It should also be noted that an embodiment of the presenttechnology includes only one sensor, such as sensor 410 a.

The at least one sensor 410 senses water related information in thehumidification component and provides the water related information tothe control module 420. The water related information includes data thatis used to control an operation of a water level control element 418. Inone embodiment, based on at least the water related information, thelack of water or an excess amount of water in the humidification systemmay be detected, wherein the humidification system includes thehumidification component 402.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 410 is independent of thehumidification component 402. As discussed herein, the at least onesensor, in one embodiment, includes at least one primary sensor and atleast one redundant sensor. Furthermore, the at least one sensor, in oneembodiment, is an optical sensor and/or a capacitive sensor. In anotherembodiment, the optical sensor includes a transmissive sensor and/or areflective sensor.

FIG. 4 shows, in one embodiment, the humidification component 402coupled through a coupling mechanism (not shown) with the base unit 408.The coupling mechanism couples a portion of the base unit 408 with aportion of the humidification component 402. In one embodiment, the atleast one sensor 410, also coupled with the base unit 408, is positionedexternal to the humidification component 402. As such, the at least onesensor 410 is not attached to the humidification component 402. Thewater level control element 418 is shown coupled with the humidificationcomponent 402 via a water filling line 416. The water level controlelement 418 is also coupled with the control module 420.

The humidification component 402 holds a water volume 404. In oneembodiment, the base unit 408 is coupled with the humidificationcomponent 402, as well as supporting the base 406 of the humidificationcomponent 402 (as already described herein).

In one embodiment, the control module 420 utilizes the water relatedinformation to control the operation by the water level control element418 that maintains a target water level in the humidification component402. In one embodiment, the operation controlled is that of opening thewater level control element 418 and/or closing the water level controlelement 418. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the water relatedinformation includes data configured for being used by the controlmodule 420 to compute an output of the humidification system and aquantity of water consumed by the humidification system.

In one embodiment, the water level control element 418 is coupled withthe humidification component 402 and controls the flow of water into thehumidification component 402. In one embodiment, the water level controlelement 418 is coupled with the humidification component 402 by beingattached to a water filling line 416. The water filling line 416 is inturn attached to the humidification component 402. In embodiments of thepresent technology, the water level control element 418 includes, but isnot limited to the following structures: a single pinch valve; multiplepinch valves; a peristaltic pump; a piezo pump; a valve, and a duct.Pinch valves are commonly known in the art. It should be appreciatedthat any valving mechanism may be used that is capable of being coupledwith the humidification component 402, via a device 400 that is or hasfunctioning similar to the water level control element 418 describedherein, is capable of being coupled with the control module 420 andresponding to the control module 420's instructions. Thus, thefunctioning of the water level control element 418 is controllable byand at the control module 420.

According to one embodiment of the present technology, the controlmodule 420 directs the water level control element 418 to self-adjust tomeet a water level objective. The water level objective is that waterlevel, determined prior to or during the use of the device 400, which isdesired to be maintained within the humidification component 402. Thisdetermination of the desired water level may be the result of manyfactors, including but not limited to: the patient's needs; thefunctionality of the device 400 itself; and the respiratory gases used.The water level control element 418, in one embodiment, is controlled bythe control module 420 by receiving an “adjustment” instruction from thecontrol module 420, such that the following of this adjustmentinstruction results in the humidification component 402 achieving thedesired water level objectives. Further, in one embodiment, theadjustment instruction is based on the water related information(discussed below) received by the control module 420 from the at leastone sensor 410, as well as the water level objective.

In one embodiment and as discussed herein, the adjustment instructionincludes an instruction to do at least one of, but not limited to, thefollowing: open the water level control element 418; close the waterlevel control element 418; adjust the opening of the water level controlelement 418 at a predetermined rate of speed; and to partially openand/or close the water level control element 418 at a desired distance.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 410 is coupled with thecontrol module 420 and the base unit 408 and is positioned external tothe humidification component 402. The at least one sensor 410 is anoptical sensor. The at least one sensor 410 senses an amount of light426 in the humidification component 402 and transmits signals associatedwith the amount of light to the control module 420. For example, thesensor 410 a (a transmitter as applied to this example) transmits thelight 426 across the humidification component 402. The sensor 410 b (areceiver as applied to this example) detects the light 426 transmitted.The sensors 410 a and 410 b then transmit signals to the control module420 regarding having transmitted and detected the light 426.

In one embodiment, and as described herein, the at least one sensor 410are optical sensors, such as, but not limited to, reflective opticalsensors and transmissive sensors. The reflective optical sensorsdetermine an amount of reflected light in the humidification component402. Light or IR energy is directed towards the humidification component402. The reflective sensors sense the amount of light or IR energy thatbounces back, thereby collecting “water related information” regardingthe water level as well.

Transmissive sensors, on the other hand, in one embodiment, are placedon both sides of the humidification component 402. The transmissivesensors sense the amount of the light or IR energy that makes it throughthe humidification component 402, thereby also collecting “water relatedinformation” regarding the water level within the humidificationcomponent 402. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter and opticalreceiver of the optical sensors are placed in diametrically opposedpositions around the humidification component 402.

In one embodiment and as discussed herein, the at least one sensor 410includes a set (of at least two) of primary sensors, a set (of at leasttwo) of redundant secondary sensors, and/or even a set (of at least two)of redundant tertiary sensors. These redundant sets of sensors provide a“fail safe”, just in case the primary and/or the secondary set ofsensors fail.

In various embodiments, the at least one sensor 410 may be disposed andarranged in various orientations on the base unit 408, as well as beingproximate to the humidification component 402. (The term, “proximate”,refers to a position that is near enough, and still being external to,the humidification component 402, to enable the functioning of the atleast one sensor 410 as described herein.) For example, the at least onesensor 410 may be arranged such that they follow the curvature of thehumidification component 402 while also being the same distance awayfrom the base 406 of the humidification component 402. In anotherembodiment, the at least one sensor 410 may be arranged in a verticallystacked manner on the base unit 408, as well as being proximate to thehumidification component 402. In yet another embodiment, the at leastone sensor 410 may be arranged in arrays. Thus, the at least one sensor410 may be arranged in a strategic manner such that, for example, theslant of the humidification component 402 is taken into account whendetermining the water level within the slanted humidification component402.

Further, in one embodiment, the at least one sensor 410 is located abovethe humidification component 402. The positioning of the at least onesensor 410 above the humidification component 402, especially if the atleast one sensor 410 is able to sense at the center of thehumidification component 402, minimizes the effect of tilting of thehumidification component 402. Moreover, in one embodiment, the at leastone sensor 410 is located below the humidification component 402.

In another embodiment, the device 400 includes a flow probe 424 coupledwith the fluid outlet 414. The flow probe 424 measures the amount of thehumidified gases that flow out of the humidification component 402 tothe patient, through the fluid outlet 414, and thus also measures thewater loss occurring during such flow.

In one embodiment, the device 400 includes a humidifier module 422 thatmeasures humidified gases delivered to a patient. Based on at least thewater level calculations, the flow of humidified gas out of the fluidoutlet 414 (measured from the flow probe 424) and how much respiratorygas is being passed through the humidifier module 422, the humidifiermodule 422 measures the amount of humidified gases that is delivered tothe patient. This measurement(s) are stored at the control module 420.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for maintaining a water levelin a humidification component 402 (of FIG. 4), in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

At 502 and as described herein, in one embodiment the method 500includes sensing, by at least one sensor 410, water related informationin the humidification component 402, wherein the at least one sensor 410is positioned external to the humidification component 402 and coupledwith a control module 420.

At 504 and as described herein, in one embodiment the method 500includes providing, by the at least one sensor 410, the water relatedinformation to the control module 420. The water related informationincludes data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element 418.

At 506 and as described herein, in one embodiment the method 500includes maintaining a target water level in the humidificationcomponent 402, based on the water related information of 504. Themaintaining the target water level in the humidification component 402at 506, includes opening and/or closing the water level control element418.

At 508 and as described herein, in one embodiment the method 500includes, based on at least the water related information, computing anoutput of the humidification system and a quantity of water consumed bythe humidification system, wherein the humidification system includesthe humidification component 402.

At 510 and as described herein, in one embodiment the method 500includes, based on at least the water related information, detecting alack of water or detecting an excess amount of water in thehumidification system, wherein the humidification system includes thehumidification component 402.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 for manufacturing a device 400for maintaining a water level in a humidification component 402 (of FIG.4), in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

At 602 and as described herein, method 600 includes providing ahumidification component 402 that holds a water volume 404.

At 604 and as described herein, method 600 includes coupling at leastone sensor 410 with a control module 420. The at least one sensor 410 isenabled to sense water related information in the humidificationcomponent 402 and is enabled to provide the water related information tothe control module 420. The water related information includes data thatis capable of being used by the control module 420 to control anoperation of a water level control element 418. The at least one sensor410 is positioned external to the humidification component 402.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the coupling of the at least one sensor410 with the control module 420 includes coupling at least one primarysensor and at least one redundant sensor with the control module 420,wherein the at least one primary and redundant sensor make up the atleast one sensor 410.

Example Computer System Environment

With reference now to FIG. 7, portions of the technology for: thesensing of 502, the providing of 504, the maintaining of 506 and thecomputing of 508 are composed of computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions that reside, for example, incomputer-readable storage media of a computer system. That is, FIG. 7illustrates one example of a type of computer that can be used toimplement embodiments, which are discussed below, of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system 700 used in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. In one embodiment, computingsystem 700 is the same as the control module 420 shown in FIG. 4.Further, in another embodiment, module 726 is the same as control module420 shown in FIG. 4. It is appreciated that system 700 of FIG. 7 is anexample only and that the present technology can operate on or within anumber of different computer systems including general purpose networkedcomputer systems, embedded computer systems, routers, switches, serverdevices, user devices, various intermediate devices/artifacts, standalone computer systems, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7, computingsystem 700 of FIG. 7 is well adapted to having peripheral computerreadable media 702 such as, for example, a floppy disk, a compact disk,a flash memory, and the like coupled thereto.

System 700 of FIG. 7 includes an address/data bus 704 for communicatinginformation, and a processor 706A coupled to bus 704 for processinginformation and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 7, system 700 is alsowell suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality ofprocessors 706A, 706B, and 706C are present. Conversely, system 700 isalso well suited to having a single processor such as, for example,processor 706A. Processors 706A, 706B, and 706C may be any of varioustypes of microprocessors. System 700 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable volatile memory 708, e.g. random access memory(RAM), coupled to bus 704 for storing information and instructions forprocessors 706A, 706B, and 706C.

System 700 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 710, e.g.read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 704 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processors 706A, 706B, and 706C. Also,a data storage unit 712 (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and diskdrive) coupled to bus 704 for storing information and instructions maybe in system 700. System 700 also may include an input device 714, thatin one embodiment, may include alphanumeric and/or function keys coupledto bus 704 for communicating information and command selections toprocessor 706A or processors 706A, 706B, and 706C. System 700 also mayinclude an optional cursor control device 716 coupled to bus 704 forcommunicating user input information and command selections to processor706A or processors 706A, 706B, and 706C. System 700 of the presentembodiment also may include an optional display device 718 coupled tobus 704 for displaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 7, optional display device 718 of FIG. 7 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device orother display device suitable for creating graphic images andalphanumeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor controldevice 716 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movementof a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 718.Many implementations of cursor control device 716 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys onalpha-numeric input device 714 capable of signaling movement of a givendirection or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will beappreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via inputfrom alpha-numeric input device 714 using special keys and key sequencecommands.

System 700 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by othermeans such as, for example, voice commands. System 700 may also includean I/O device 720 for coupling system 700 with external entities. Forexample, in one embodiment, I/O device 720 is a modem for enabling wiredor wireless communications between system 700 and an external deviceand/or network such as, but not limited to, the Internet.

Referring still to FIG. 7, various other components are depicted forsystem 700. Specifically, when present, an operating system 722,applications 724, modules 726, and data 728 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory708, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 712.However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system722 may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flashdrive; and that further, operating system 722 may be accessed from aremote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In oneembodiment, the present technology, for example, is stored as anapplication 724 or module 726 in memory locations within RAM 708 andmemory areas within data storage unit 712. The present technology may beapplied to one or more elements of described computing system 700.

The computing system 700 is only one example of a suitable computingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the present technology. Neither shouldthe computing environment of computing system 700 be interpreted ashaving any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combinationof components illustrated in the computing system 700.

The present technology may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thepresent technology may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer-storage media including memory-storage devices and/ornon-volatile memory within a microcontroller device.

Section 3 Fluted Heater Wire

Breathing circuits are utilized to deliver such medical support as airand anesthetics from a machine that creates an artificial environment toa patient via tubes. Breathing circuits are used in surgical procedures,respiratory support and respiratory therapies. For example, in a mostgeneral case, breathing circuits include an inspiratory limb runningfrom a ventilator to a patient and an expiratory limb running from thepatient back to the ventilator.

The ventilator pushes gas through the inspiratory limb to reach thepatient. The patient inhales this pushed gas and exhales gas into theexpiratory limb. For purposes of the present technology, any portion ofthe breathing circuit could be considered a patient circuit or conduit.It should be appreciated that the present technology is well suited tobe used in any portion of the patient circuit or any other respiratorygas conduit.

If the gas is cold when the patient inhales it, the patient's body workshard to try to warm up the gas for ease of breathing. Humidity can alsobe added to the circuit, because when someone is intubated forventilation, the body's natural humidification process is bypassed. Innormal breathing, the upper airways heat and humidify inspired gas, andrecover heat and humidity from exhaled gas, thereby conserving body heatand water. Due to the intubation (bypassing upper airways), there is ahumidity deficit which creates serious physiological problems if notaddressed (e.g., through use of a humidified circuit, or heat andmoisture exchanger).

When gas is humidified, the temperature in the tube must be kept abovethe dew point to prevent condensation within the tube. Thus, breathingcircuits can be designed with heating wires positioned within theinterior of at least the inspiratory limb, or patient circuit.

If a heating wire is positioned within the respiratory gas conduit suchthat the heating wire stretches the full length of the inspiratory limb,then all of the gas moving through the inspiratory limb becomes heated.Thus, the gas arriving from the inspiratory limb into the patient'sairway is also well heated.

One of the challenges associated with providing active humidification toa patient is managing condensation (commonly known in the industry as“rainout”) in the patient circuit limbs. Several known approaches tomanaging condensation include collecting the condensation in knownlocations (water traps), heating the circuit limbs with a heater wire(heated circuits) and diffusing the water through a porous wall.

Respiratory circuits can accumulate condensation in a concentrated areathat then becomes a site that fosters even greater condensationgeneration. An example of this phenomena would be a person accidentlyknocking the circuit, compelling condensation to accumulate at thelowest circuit elevation. This pool of condensation is cooler than thesurrounding saturated respiratory gas, facilitating the saturated gas tocondense into an even larger pool of condensation, growing with everybreath of saturated gas that passes by. The problem can even progress tothe point that all the respiratory gases are forced through the liquid,further exacerbating the problem.

Embodiments of the present technology self-correct the condensationproblem by utilizing a fluted heater wire. Grooves (or “flutes”) aredisposed on the heater wire to create a geometry that is conducive toencouraging capillary action. In one example, the grooves are disposedon the sheath of the heater wire. The surface energy of the heater wirecan be modified with technology common to the art, such as plasmatreatment.

The combination of favorable geometry and a high surface energy (lowcontact angles) will enable the heater wire present in a respiratory gasconduit to evaporate any condensation with which the wire comes incontact. A heater wire with a helical pattern increases the likelihoodthat any pooling condensation will be in contact with the heater wire,thereby becoming evaporated. Thus, embodiments of the present technologyprovide a device for removing excess condensation from a breathingcircuit, and more particularly, in one embodiment, a respiratory gasconduit.

FIG. 8 shows a portion of a breathing circuit 800, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. The breathing circuit 800 includesa respiratory gas conduit 810, a heater wire 802 disposed inside therespiratory gas conduit 810 and sheathing 902 (shown in FIG. 9A anddiscussed below) as part of the heater wire 802. Of note, the heaterwire 802, in one embodiment, is a heating component that heats(increases the temperature) the gas 808 inside the respiratory gasconduit 810. The respiratory gas conduit 810 receives gas 808 at aninput end 806 and delivers the gas 808 through an output end 804. In oneembodiment, the gas 808 is delivered to a patient through the output end804. However, in another embodiment, the gas 808 leaves the patient,moving from the input end 806, and arrives at the exhaust and/orventilator at the output end 804. The heater wire 802 heats the gas 808inside the respiratory gas conduit 810 between the input end 806 and theoutput end 804.

FIG. 9A shows a device 900A in cross-sectional view, for removingcondensation from a breathing circuit 800, such as that breathingcircuit 800 shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent technology. The device 900A includes the heater wire 802 thatincludes at least one groove 904, wherein the heater wire 802 is to bepositioned in the respiratory gas conduit 810. The heater wire 802includes a sheathing 902 surrounding the wire component 901 within theheater wire 802. The sheathing 902 includes at least one groove 904disposed thereon. The at least one groove 904 wicks up water that hasformed in a condensation region within the respiratory gas conduit 810and then transports the wicked up water to a re-evaporation region. Ofnote, while one groove 904 is shown in FIG. 9A, it should be appreciatedthat there may be more than one groove disposed on the heater wire 802.Further, it should be appreciated that there are various descriptions ofmethods for disposing at least one groove on the heater wire 802, suchas but not limited to, “forming”, “pressing out” and “extruding”.

In one embodiment, the sheathing 902 is insulation material. Further,the insulation material, in one example, has a smooth external coating903, interrupted by the at least one groove 904. In other words, thewire component 901 is coated with insulation material as at least aportion of the sheathing 902. The surface of the coating 903, oppositethat surface in contact with the wire component 901, is smooth, exceptfor the grooves that are disposed through the sheathing 902 (or, as inthis example, the insulation material).

In one embodiment, the re-evaporation region is a hot surface along theheater wire 802. For example, the condensation region is considered tobe cooler region, or a place at which the water accumulates and does notevaporate. Once the water is wicked up into the at least one groove 904integral with the sheathing 902, the water is transported along thegroove away from the condensation region and to a hotter region alongthe heater wire 802 where the water is able to once again evaporate, or“re-evaporate”.

In one embodiment, the sheathing 902 includes, but is not limited to,one or more of the following additives: hydrophilic; antifogging; andantistatic. It should be appreciated that when the sheathing 902includes the hydrophilic additive, the combination of the at least onegroove 904 and the sheathing 902 more quickly and efficiently wicks thewater up along the at least one groove 904 and away from thecondensation region. In one embodiment, the sheathing 902 is, eitherpartially or wholly, of a material that has an inherently high surfaceenergy.

In one embodiment, the at least one groove 904 includes, but is notlimited to, one or more of the following shapes: a V-shape; a squareshape; a semi-circular shape; a non-uniform shape; and a combination ofthe foregoing shapes. As discussed herein, it should be appreciated thatthere may be any number of grooves disposed on the sheathing 902. Forexample, in one embodiment, there are six grooves equally spaced aroundthe wire component 901 and disposed on the sheathing 902. However, inanother embodiment, these grooves are not equally spaced. Further, inone embodiment, the at least one groove 904 extends along the directionof an extended sheathing 902 and thus wire component 901.

It should be appreciated that the geometry of the at least one groove904 is such that the width of the at least one groove 904 is desired tobe as small as possible and the length of the at least one groove 904 isdesired to be as big as possible. Further, the contact angle between theat least one groove 904 and the water is desired to be as close to zeroas is possible, while still functioning to wick up as much water asdesired. In other words, the contact angle between the at least onegroove 904 and the water is desired to be that of a low contact angle,which is obtained by utilizing a high surface energy. Water is therebycaused to be drawn, through capillary action, towards an unwetted partof the at least one groove 904. Moreover, embodiments of the presenttechnology provide for continuous wicking up of the water from acondensation region.

FIG. 9B shows a device 900B in cross-sectional view, for removingcondensation from a breathing circuit 800, such as the breathing circuit800 shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology. The device 900B includes a heater wire 910 (including a wirecomponent 914 and a sheathing [not labeled]) with at least one groove912 disposed thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology. In one embodiment, the first width 906 of the at least onegroove 912 at a surface 916 of the heater wire 910 is less than a secondwidth 908 of the at least one groove 912. The second width 908 is amaximum width of the at least one groove 912, when viewed incross-section (as is shown in FIG. 9B).

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for automatically removingcondensation from a breathing circuit 800, in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, at 1002 and as described herein, method1000 includes wicking up water from a condensation region within arespiratory gas conduit 810 of the breathing circuit 800. The wicking upof water is performed by at least one groove 904 disposed on a heaterwire 802, wherein the heater wire 802 is positioned within therespiratory gas conduit 810.

At 1004 and as described herein, method 1000 includes transporting, bythe at least one groove 904, the wicked up water from the condensationregion to a re-evaporation region. As described herein, this wickingaction is the result of a capillary process that is driven by the highenergy surface (from a low contact angle) between the at least onegroove 904 and the water.

At 1006 and as described herein, method 1000 includes evaporating thewicked up water by a hot surface of the heater wire 802.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 for manufacturing a device900 for removing condensation from the breathing circuit 800. Referringnow to FIGS. 8-9B and 11, at 1102 and as described method 1100 includesproviding a heater wire 802 that heats gas 808 inside and between aninput end 806 and an output end 804 of an respiratory gas conduit 810.Of note, in one embodiment, the respiratory gas conduit 810 receives gas808 at the input end 806 and delivers the gas 808 to the patient at theoutput end 804.

At 1104 and as described herein, method 1100 includes disposing asheathing 902 on a wire component 901 of the heater wire 802, whereinthe sheathing 902 includes a hydrophilic component.

At 1106 and as described herein, method 1100 includes disposing at leastone groove 904 on the sheathing 902. The at least one groove 904 wicksup water from a region of condensation within the respiratory gasconduit 810 and transports the wicked up water to a re-evaporationregion. In embodiments, the disposing of grooves of the at least onegroove 904 at 1106 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of thefollowing groove shapes: V-shape; square shape; semi-circular shape; anda combination of the foregoing shapes. Further, in one embodiment and asdescribed herein, six grooves may be disposed thereon.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the disposing of the at least one groove904 includes a first width at a surface of the heater wire 802 that isless than a second width of the at least one groove 904, wherein thesecond width is a maximum width of the at least one groove 904, whenviewed in cross-section. Moreover,

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the disposing 1106 theat least one groove 904 on the sheathing 902 includes disposing aplurality of groove on the sheathing.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, an antifogging additive and/or anantistatic additive is added to the sheathing 902. Yet in anotherembodiment, the manufacturing method 1100 includes a plasma treatment.

Section 4 Non-Metallic Humidification Component

As described herein, traditional humidification systems for respiratorygas delivery in critical care and patient care settings typicallyinvolve a humidification chamber of hot water which is used to providevapor for humidifying the delivered gases. The method for heating thiswater volume is most often contact heating using a hot-plate or heatingelement which transfers heat to the water volume through a metallicsurface which is incorporated into the humidification chamber. Thepresence of this metallic element or base of the humidification chamberrepresents significant manufacturing and material costs in comparison tothe other materials used in the humidification chamber such as polymers.It also necessitates a multi-step manufacturing process that involvesattachment and watertight sealing of this metallic section to a polymersection.

Embodiments of the present technology provides a heating method andapparatus which eliminates the need for a metallic component or metallicconducting surface in the water chamber and simplifies the constructionof the humidification chamber and method for transferring heat to thewater volume to produce vapor. Embodiments of the present technologyalso eliminate potential failure modes for the humidification chamberwhere seals and multiple components meet (e.g. leaks). Embodimentsprovide for a much lower cost and simplified humidification chamberdesign. In one embodiment, the humidification component, describedherein, is made in a single piece blow-moldable form. Heat from a hotplate or other heat source is conducted directly through the conductiveplastic humidification component walls into the water to be vaporized.

Further, embodiments of the present technology provide a method forhumidification in a respiratory system that includes a humidificationcomponent, as is described herein, which is constructed entirely of apolymer. Such a humidification component thus constructed can conductheat into the volume of water contained within the humidificationcomponent. Moreover, the polymer material, in embodiments of the presenttechnology, has a high melting point and a sufficiently high glasstransition temperature or heat deflection temperature such that it doesnot soften or degrade during typical heating.

The all-polymer humidification component may be placed directly on a hotplate such as that used in existing humidifier systems and the heat isthen transferred to the water by conduction through the walls of thehumidification component.

The all-polymer construction eliminates the need for an expensiveconductive metallic base (e.g. aluminum), greatly simplifying theconstruction and lowering the cost. The humidification component of thepresent technology is, in one embodiment, producible by a blow moldingprocess, which produces a single part design with no multi-partjoints/seals. As described herein, multi-part joints/seals aresusceptible to failures. The volume of the water may alternatively beheated by a combination of conduction and radiation heating (e.g. IR).Examples of materials that may be used for the humidification componentare, but not limited to, the following: polyphenylene sulfide;cross-linked polyethylene; polysulfone; polycarbonate; and a conductivepolymer.

FIG. 12 shows an apparatus 1200, including a humidification component1202, according to embodiments of the present technology. Referring nowto FIGS. 1 and 12, the humidification component 1202 holds a watervolume 104 and is entirely comprised of a non-metallic material. Thenon-metallic material conducts heat, which is received from a heatingelement 110, to the water volume 104. The non-metallic material, in oneembodiment, may be but is not limited to the following: an all-polymermaterial; glass; and fabric having some conductive properties. Of note,the humidification component 1202 of FIG. 12, in one embodiment, is thehumidification component 102 of FIG. 1. The discussion of thehumidification component 1202 herein is based on its relation to othercomponents shown in FIG. 1 and as is discussed herein with reference toFIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the humidification component 1202 is in contact withthe heating element 110 while it is receiving heat. For example, in oneembodiment, the heating element 110 is a hot plate. The humidificationcomponent 1202 is positioned adjacent to the hot plate, in oneembodiment. In one embodiment, the humidification component 1202 and theheating element 110 are independent of each other.

In another embodiment, the humidification component 1202 is comprisedentirely of a polymer material, such as, but not limited to, thefollowing material: cross-linked polyethylene; polyphenylene sulfide;polysulfone; polycarbonate; and a conductive polymer. However, since inone embodiment, the humidification component 1202 is constructedentirely of an all-polymer material and the humidification component1202 has a high melting point and a sufficiently high glass transitiontemperature or heat deflection temperature, the humidification component1202 does not soften or degrade during typical heating by a heatingelement 110.

In another embodiment, the humidification component 1202 transfers theheat received from the heating element 110 to the water volume 104through radiation heating (e.g. IR). For example, a heating element 110may provide IR energy emission, which the non-metallic material of thehumidification component 1202 transfers to the water volume 104. In yetanother embodiment, the water volume 104 is heated by a combination ofconduction and radiation heating.

In one embodiment, the humidification component 1202 is injectionmolded. The process of injection molding enables the humidificationcomponent 1202 to be of a single piece construction. The single piececonstruction provides for a much lower manufacturing cost and asimplified humidification component design, as is already describedherein. In another embodiment, the humidification component 1202 isinjection molded. The process of injection molding the humidificationcomponent 1202 may involve more than one piece and/or more than onematerial which is welded or bonded together to become a single piece.Thus, the humidification component 1202, constructed entirely of anon-metallic material, may include two or more pieces of material.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology provide an apparatus thatutilizes a simple humidification component constructed entirely of anon-metallic material, which is capable of conducting heat through itsbase and/or walls to the volume of water residing within thehumidification component.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method 1300 for providing humidificationin a respiratory system, according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology. Referring to FIGS. 1, 12 and 13, at 1302 and as describedherein, method 1300 includes receiving, at a humidification component1202, heat from a heating element 110. The humidification component 1202holds a water volume 104 and is entirely constructed of a non-metallicmaterial. In one embodiment and as described herein, the humidificationcomponent 1202 and the heating element 110 are independent of eachother. In other words, the humidification component 1202 and the heatingelement 110 are not in contact with each other. Yet, in anotherembodiment, the humidification component 1302 and the heating element110 are in contact with each other. Moreover, in one embodiment, theheat that is received at the humidification component 1202 istransferred, by conduction, through at least one wall of thehumidification component 1202 to the water volume 104.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology provide a respiratoryhumidification method which utilizes a simple humidification componentconstructed of a non-metallic material which conducts heat through itsbase and/or walls to a water volume held within.

Section 5 Automatically Setting a Humidification Level

Patients whose upper airways have been bypassed by either a tracheostomyor endotracheal tube need a higher level of humidity during respiratorytherapy. Patients whose natural humidification system (i.e. upperairways) has not been bypassed need a lower level of humidity duringrespiratory therapy. These two conditions are commonly referred to inthe industry as “invasive mode” and “non-invasive mode”. In other words,in general, the invasive mode is the condition in which the upperairways are bypassed. The non-invasive mode is the condition in whichthe upper airways are not bypassed. Presently, a caregiver is requiredto determine and manually select the correct mode on the humidificationsystem.

Further, the flow patterns associated with different respiratorytherapies are distinct and are able to be categorized. For example, as agenerality, the cyclical flow rates of a patient breathing with hisupper airways will have a unique flow pattern. Similarly, mostnon-invasive flow rates that have a steady flow rate or less extremeflow rate changes will also have a unique flow pattern. Other therapiessuch as high flow therapies also have unique flow characteristics.

Embodiments of the present technology simplify the setup of thehumidification system by automatically determining the appropriate modeof respiratory therapy and the related humidification level settingneeded for the patient during the respiratory therapy. The appropriatemode and hence the related humidification level setting depends on therespiratory therapy situation.

The following is a description of five differing situational examples,showing the variation in respiratory therapy situations requiring aspecific humidification level setting.

Situation One: Sick infants often require intubation and respiratorysupport within the perinatal period. These patients are typicallyventilated using gas delivery systems that provide a relatively constantflow of gas at the machine outlet, at a rate, for example, of between 4and 8 liters/minute. Pressure variation is imposed through use of acontrolled valve in the exhalation gas conduit, and exhalation breathingcircuit heater wires are employed. The cyclical variation in pressurewill have a typical frequency in excess of 30 breaths/minute, withpressure changes that exceed, for example, 4 mbar amplitude. For thesepatients, the appropriate humidification level setting is a highhumidity setting, such as, for example, 44 mgH₂O/liter of breathing gas.

Situation Two: Less sick infants may be provided with non-invasiverespiratory support using a nasal cannula or a face mask. These patientsare typically ventilated using gas delivery systems that provide arelatively constant flow of gas at the machine outlet, at a rate of nomore than, for example, 10 liters/minute. However, in this population,pressure in the breathing circuit is relatively constant, with cyclicalchanges that are less than the threshold of, for example, 4 mbar. Forthese patients, the appropriate humidification level setting is a lowerhumidity setting.

Situation Three: Acutely sick older children or adults may be providedwith invasive respiratory support using an endotracheal tube ortracheostomy. These patients are typically ventilated using gas deliverysystems that provide a non-continuous flow of gas at the machine outlet.During patient exhalation, there is a minimal rate of flow of no morethan, for example, 5 liters/minute. During patient inhalation, flow isincreased, often with a peak value in excess of, for example, 20liters/minute, and a decreasing flow waveform. For these patients, theappropriate humidification level setting is a high humidity setting of,for example, 44 mgH₂O/liter of breathing gas.

Situation Four: Chronically sick older children or adults may beprovided with non-invasive respiratory support using a single breathingcircuit tube that conveys gas to the patient, and a mouth or face maskthat incorporates an orifice for egress of exhaled gas. The exhalationtube is absent and this can be identified by the humidificationcomponent as the absence of expiratory tube heating wires. Thesepatients are typically ventilated using gas delivery systems thatprovide a non-continuous flow of gas at the machine outlet, but suchthat the pressure and flow have a characteristic correlation. Duringpatient exhalation, there is a lower rate of flow which is determined bythe level of positive pressure support required and the characteristicof the mask orifice, for example, 15 liters/minute at a pressure levelof 3 mbar. During patient inhalation, there is a higher but relativelyconstant rate of flow, for example, 45 liters/minute at a pressure levelof 20 mbar. For these patients, the appropriate humidification levelsetting is a lower humidity setting.

Situation Five: Less acutely sick patients may be provided withnon-invasive respiratory support using a “High Flow” apparatus. Thisprovides a constant flow of breathing gas through a cannula that isinserted into the patient's nasopharynx, in order to flush exhaledcarbon dioxide from the nasopharynx, introduce oxygen into this space,and thereby reduce the effort required by the patient to achieveadequate gas exchange. In this configuration, the flow of gas is at aconstant rate, which may be anywhere within a range of, for example, 2to 60 liters/minute. In this configuration, the pressure of the air inthe breathing circuit does not show cyclical variation. For thesepatients, the appropriate humidification level setting is a lowerhumidity setting.

FIG. 14A shows a system 1400A for providing humidification to gas to beprovided to a patient to support breathing, according to embodiments ofthe present technology. Referring now to FIG. 14A, the system 1400Aincludes a humidification component 1402 that adds water vapor to thegas that is provided to a patient to support breathing through abreathing circuit tubing and a humidification component controller 1414that is coupled with the humidification component 1402 and receiveshumidification target value information 1410. In one embodiment, thehumidification component controller 1414 includes a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416. The humidification target value determiner1416 determines, based on the received humidification target valueinformation 1410, a humidification target value 1418 of at least twopossible humidification target values. The humidification target value1418 identifies a humidification level setting 1420 that corresponds tothe patient.

In one embodiment, the humidification component 1402 is a humidificationchamber as is common in the art. However, it should be appreciated thatthe humidification component 1402 may be any structure capable of addingwater vapor to gas and operating with the other components describedherein to achieve the functions described herein.

In one embodiment, the humidification target value information 1410 maybe, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a pattern ofbreathing of the patient; a gas flow rate; a geometry of a portion (awhole or less than a whole) of the breathing circuit tubing; a radiofrequency identification (RFI) of the breathing circuit tubing; a wireresistance of a portion (a whole or less than a whole) of the breathingcircuit tubing; tube heater wire information; and a determined pressurecomprising a pressure relative to atmospheric pressure of the gas in thebreathing circuit tubing.

In one embodiment, the gas flow rate refers to the flow rate of the gasthrough the patient breathing circuiting tubing, including the averageflow rate. In another embodiment, the tube heater wire informationincludes at least one of a presence and an absence of a tube heater wirebeing coupled with the patient breathing tube. The tube heater wireinformation may also include information such as, but is not limited to,the following: heater wire resistance; RFID tags; and unique connectorgeometries which identify the breathing circuit tubing for patient sizeor therapy type.

In one embodiment, the system 1400A further includes at least onehumidification component monitoring unit 1406 that is coupled with thehumidification component 1402 and determines the humidification targetvalue information 1410. For example, the at least one humidificationcomponent monitoring unit 1406 may be, but is not limited to, one ormore of the following: a gas flow rate determiner that characterizes arate of a flow of the gas to the breathing circuit tubing, therebyachieving a characterized rate of gas flow; a breathing circuit tubingconfiguration information detector that determines breathing circuittubing configuration information; a tube heater wire detector thatdetects the tube heater wire information as is described herein; apressure sensor that detects a pressure relative to atmospheric pressureof the gas in the breathing circuit tubing, thereby achieving adetermined pressure; and an optical sensing module that optically senseshumidification target value information 1410.

In one embodiment, the gas flow rate determiner is positioned within thehumidification component 1402 and/or at the entrance to the patientbreathing tube. It should be appreciated that the gas flow ratedeterminer may be any flow sensing technology, such as but not limitedto the following: pressure differential readings; hot wire technology;and hot thermistor technology. In some embodiments, flow measurementsmay even be provided from another device, such as but not limited to, aflow generator, a flow blower, or a flow ventilator. In one embodiment,if the gas flow rate determiner is unable to determine the pattern ofbreathing, then the system 1400A defaults to a predetermined humiditylevel setting. In one embodiment, the predetermined humidity levelsetting is that setting that is determined to be a safe humidity levelfor the patient.

In one instance, the breathing circuit tubing configuration informationdeterminer detects the breathing circuit tubing configurationinformation through sensors designed to detect such information. Inanother instance, the breathing circuit tubing configuration informationdeterminer receives the breathing circuit tubing configurationinformation from another component. As described herein, the breathingcircuit tubing configuration information, includes, but is not limitedto, the following: a geometry of a portion of the breathing circuittubing; a RFI of the breathing circuit tubing; and a wire resistance ofa portion of the breathing circuit tubing. For example, the breathingcircuit tubing configuration information detector detects the geometryof a connector (in one example, a disposable component of the breathingcircuit tubing) to distinguish the breathing circuit tubing forinformation such as, but not limited to, patient size (as discussedherein).

Further, in one embodiment, the optical sensing module may be, but isnot limited to such, one of the following: an on-board bar code reader;and an optical color reader.

Further, in one embodiment, the humidification component controller 1414includes a breathing circuit tubing size determiner. The breathingcircuit tubing size determiner determines a size of the gas conduitbased on the breathing circuit tubing configuration information.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 14A and 14B (as will be discussedbelow), portions of the technology relating to the systems 1400A and1400B are composed of computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions that reside, for example, in computer-readable storagemedia of a computer system. That is, FIG. 7 illustrates one example of atype of computer that can be used to implement embodiments, which arediscussed herein, of the present technology.

As discussed herein, FIG. 7 illustrates a computing system 700 used inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. In oneembodiment, the computing system 700 and/or a portion thereof is thesame as at least portions of the following (shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B):the humidification component controller 1414; the at least onehumidification component monitoring unit 1406; the gas flow ratedeterminer; the humidification mode selection module 1430; the gasdelivery device controller 1442 (of FIG. 14B); and the communicationmodule 1434 (of FIG. 14B).

As described herein, the humidification component controller 1414receives humidification target value information 1410 and includes ahumidification target value determiner 1416. The humidification targetvalue determiner 1416 determines, based on the received humidificationtarget value information 1410, a humidification target value 1418. Thehumidification target value 1418 is one of at least two possiblehumidification target values, and identifies a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In other words, once the humidification target value 1418 is selected,within this selection is the knowledge of the humidification levelsetting 1420 that the patient needs, based on the receivedhumidification target value information 1410. The two possiblehumidification target values are humidification target values that arestored within a storage module of the humidification componentcontroller 1414 and are available for selection, once the humidificationtarget value information 1410 is received.

In one embodiment, the system 1400A further includes a humidificationmode selection module 1430 that is coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402. The humidification mode selection module 1430communicates the humidification level setting 1420 to an operator 1432of the system 1400A as being “selected”. The method of communication maybe via wire and/or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the operator 1432 is ahuman controlling a portion of the system. The portion of the system maybe the whole system or a part less than the whole system.

In one embodiment, the system 1400A includes a gas delivery device 1436that is coupled with the humidification component 1402. The gas deliverydevice 1436 controls a delivery of the gas to the humidificationcomponent 1402. In one embodiment, the gas delivery device 1436 may be alung ventilator. Of note, the gas delivery device 1436 may be any devicethat is able to deliver gas to the humidification component 1402, asdescribed herein. Further, the gas delivery device 1436, in oneembodiment, provides measurements, such as but not limited to, adetermined pressure and/or pattern of breathing information. In oneembodiment, these measurements are gathered from the at least onehumidification component monitoring unit 1406 with which the gasdelivery device 1436 is coupled.

In one embodiment, the system 1400A includes a communication module 1434that is coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidificationcomponent 1402. The communication module 1434 communicates informationbetween the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidification component1402. The coupling of the communication module 1434 with the gasdelivery device 1436 and the humidification component 1402 may be, butis not limited to, a cable, cables, or a wireless communicationsinterface such as a Bluetooth, a Zigbee, a WiFi or other datacommunications technology. The information includes the humidificationtarget value information 1410. Of note, in this embodiment, the gasdelivery device 1436 is coupled with the humidification component 1402and the at least one humidification component monitoring unit 1406,wherein the gas delivery device 1436 controls a delivery of the gas tothe humidification component 1402.

Referring now to FIG. 14B, a system 1400B is shown for providinghumidification to gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing,according to one embodiment of the present technology. System 1400Bincludes a humidification component 1402 that adds water vapor to thegas, a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402 and that controls a delivery of the gas to thehumidification component, and a communication module 1434 that iscoupled with the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidificationcomponent 1402. The communication module 1434, in one embodiment,communicates humidification target value information 1410 between thehumidification component 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436. Thehumidification component 1410 and the gas delivery device 1436determine, based on the humidification target value information 1410,target operational information of the system 1400B associated with thepatient.

In one embodiment, the system 1400B includes a gas delivery devicecontroller 1442 that is coupled with the humidification component 1402and stores the humidification target value information 1410. In oneembodiment, the gas delivery device controller 1442 resides within thegas delivery device 1436. Yet, in another embodiment, the gas deliverydevice controller 1442 is wire and/or wirelessly attached to the gasdelivery device 1436. In one embodiment, the gas delivery devicecontroller 1442 includes an information store that stores theinformation, such as, but not limited to, the humidification targetvalue information 1410.

In one embodiment and as described herein, the humidification targetvalue information 1410 includes, but is not limited to, the following: apattern of breathing of the patient; a geometry of a portion of thebreathing circuit tubing; an RFI of the breathing circuit tubing; and awire resistance of a portion of the breathing circuit tubing; tubeheater wire information; a determined pressure including a pressurerelative to atmospheric pressure of the gas in the breathing circuittubing; and an operating parameter. In one embodiment, the operatingparameter includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:a patient size; a clinical indication; and a respiratory supportmodality.

In one embodiment, the target operational information includes, but isnot limited to, one or more of the following: a humidification levelsetting corresponding to the patient; an operational capability of thesystem 1400B; and an operation limit of the system 1400B.

In one embodiment, the system 1400B further includes a graphical userinterface (GUI) 1468 that is coupled with the gas delivery device 1436.The GUI 1468 enables an operator of the system 1400B to communicate withthe humidification component 1402. Additionally, in one embodiment, theGUI 1468 enables the operator to communicate with a portion of thesystem 1400B. It should be appreciated that a portion of the system maybe the whole system 1400B (and any components within) or a part lessthan the whole of the system 1400B.

In one embodiment, the system 1400D includes an alarm 1470 that iscoupled with the gas delivery device 1436. The alarm 1470 communicates asignal, wherein the signal indicates that a threshold level associatedwith an operation of the humidification component 1402 has been reached.For example, but not limited to such, a threshold level may be apredetermined level of humidity. When that particular level of humidityis detected, an alarm sounds. In another embodiment, the signalcommunicated is a message displayed on the GUI 1468. Of note, it shouldbe understood that the signal may be indication that may be communicatedvia wire or wirelessly.

In one embodiment, the same graphical user interface may be used tocommunicate with the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidificationcomponent 1402, and control all devices coupled with such. While sharinga graphical user interface (and user input module coupled with thegraphical user interface), the humidification component 1402 may bepositioned below the gas delivery device 1436. This positioningfacilitates an improved operator workflow and reduces the incidence ofhazards associated with water spillage from the humidification component1402 and components attached thereto.

Section 6 Further Embodiments

The following description of further embodiments references FIGS. 1-15D.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; and at least onesensor 410 positioned external to the humidification component 402 andcoupled with a control module, the at least one sensor 410 configuredfor sensing water related information in the humidification component402 and providing the water related information to the control module420, the water related information comprising data configured for beingused to control an operation of a water level control element.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the watervolume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; and at least one groove 904disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 402 configured for holding a water volume404; and a heating element 110 configured for converting receivedelectrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume,wherein the humidification component 402 is comprised entirely of anon-metallic material, the non-metallic material configured forconducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat being received from aheating element 110.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volumeand for adding water vapor to a gas that is to be provided to a patientto support breathing; a heating element configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, therebyheating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume; and ahumidification component controller 1414 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402 and configured for receiving the humidification targetvalue information 1410, the humidification component controller 1414including: a humidification target value determiner 1416 configured fordetermining, based on received humidification target value information1410, a humidification target value 1418 of at least two possiblehumidification target values, the humidification target value 1418identifying a humidification level setting 1420 corresponding to thepatient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; a respiratory gasconduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and an output end 808, therespiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receiving a gas 808 at theinput end 806 and configured to transport the gas 808 to the output end804; and a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit810, the heater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at least one groove904 disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904 configuredfor wicking up water from a region of condensation within therespiratory gas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; agas delivery device 1436 coupled with the humidification component 1402,the gas delivery device 1436 configured for controlling a delivery ofthe gas to the humidification component 1402; and a communication module1434 coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidificationcomponent 1402, the communication module 1434 configured forcommunicating the humidification target value information 1410 betweenthe gas delivery device controller 1442 and the humidification component1402, the humidification component 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436configured for determining, based on the humidification target valueinformation, target operational information of a system associated withthe patient, the system including the device.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; at least one sensor410 positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupledwith a control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured forsensing water related information in the humidification component 1402and providing the water related information to the control module 420,the water related information comprising data configured for being usedto control an operation of a water level control element; and at leastone groove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heaterwire 802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes ahumidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404;a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; and at least onesensor 410 positioned external to the humidification component 1402 andcoupled with a control module 420, the at least one sensor 410configured for sensing water related information in the humidificationcomponent 1402 and providing the water related information to thecontrol module 420, the water related information comprising dataconfigured for being used to control an operation of a water levelcontrol element, wherein the humidification component 1402 is comprisedentirely of a non-metallic material, the non-metallic materialconfigured for conducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat beingreceived from a heating element 110.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume;at least one sensor 410 positioned external to the humidificationcomponent 1402 and coupled with a control module 420, the at least onesensor 410 configured for sensing water related information in thehumidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationcomprising data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element; and a humidification component controller1414 coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value information 1410, a humidificationtarget value 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values,the humidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes ahumidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404;a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; at least one sensor410 positioned external to the humidification component 1402 and coupledwith a control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured forsensing water related information in the humidification component 1402and providing the water related information to the control module 420,the water related information comprising data configured for being usedto control an operation of a water level control element; a respiratorygas conduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and an output end 804, therespiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the inputend 806 and configured to transport the gas 808 to the output end 804;and a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810,the heater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation within the respiratorygas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to a re-evaporationregion.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume;at least one sensor 410 positioned external to a humidificationcomponent 1402 and coupled with a control module 420, the at least onesensor 410 configured for sensing water related information in thehumidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationincluding data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof the system associated with the patient, the system including thedevice.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume; and at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume;at least one groove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, theheater wire 802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; and ahumidification component controller 1414 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402 and configured for receiving the humidification targetvalue 1418 information 1410, the humidification component controller1414 including: a humidification target value determiner 1416 configuredfor determining, based on received humidification target valueinformation 1410, a humidification target value 1418 of at least twopossible humidification target values, the humidification target value1418 identifying a humidification level setting 1420 corresponding tothe patient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404; at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; a respiratory gasconduit 810 including an input end 806 and an output end 804, therespiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the inputend 806 and configured to transport the gas to the output end 804; and aheater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, theheater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation within the respiratorygas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to a re-evaporationregion.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; at least one groove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of thedevice, the heater wire 802 being positioned in a respiratory gasconduit 810; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configured for controllinga delivery of the gas to the humidification component 1402; and acommunication module 1434 coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 andthe humidification component 1402, the communication module 1434configured for communicating the humidification target value information1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof a system associated with the patient, the system including thedevice.

A device for humidifying respiratory gases, the device including: ahumidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404, wherein the humidification component 1402 is comprised entirely ofa non-metallic material, the non-metallic material configured forconducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat being received from aheating element 110; and a humidification component controller 1414coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value 1418 information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value 1418 determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value 1418 information 1410, ahumidification target value 1418 of at least two possible humidificationtarget values 1418, the humidification target value 1418 identifying ahumidification level setting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; a respiratory gas conduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and anoutput end 804, the respiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receivinggas at the input end 806 and configured to transport the gas to theoutput end 804; and a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratorygas conduit 810, the heater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and atleast one groove 904 disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove904 configured for wicking up water from a region of condensation withinthe respiratory gas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404, wherein the humidification component 1402 is comprised entirely ofa non-metallic material, the non-metallic material configured forconducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat being received from aheating element 110; a humidification component 1402 configured foradding water vapor to the gas; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled withthe humidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436configured for controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidificationcomponent 1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gasdelivery device 1436 and the humidification component 1402, thecommunication module 1434 configured for communicating thehumidification target value information 1410 between the gas deliverydevice controller 1442 and the humidification component 1402, thehumidification component 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436configured for determining, based on the humidification target valueinformation, target operational information of the system associatedwith the patient, the system including the device.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; a respiratory gas conduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and anoutput end 804, the respiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receivinggas at the input end 806 and configured to transport the gas to theoutput end 804; a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gasconduit 810, the heater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at leastone groove 904 disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904configured for wicking up water from a region of condensation within therespiratory gas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region; and a humidification component controller 1414coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value information 1410, a humidificationtarget value 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values,the humidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; a respiratory gas conduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and anoutput end 804, the respiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receivinggas at the input end 806 and configured to transport the gas to theoutput end 804; a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gasconduit 810, the heater wire 802 comprising: a sheathing; and at leastone groove 904 disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904configured for wicking up water from a region of condensation within therespiratory gas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof a system associated with the patient, wherein the system includes thedevice.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404; a heating element 110 configured for converting received electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404; at least onesensor 410 positioned external to a humidification component 1402 andcoupled with a control module 420, the at least one sensor 410configured for sensing water related information in the humidificationcomponent 1402 and providing the water related information to thecontrol module 420, the water related information comprising dataconfigured for being used to control an operation of a water levelcontrol element; and at least one groove 904 disposed on a heater wire802 of the device, the heater wire 802 being positioned in a respiratorygas conduit 810, wherein the humidification component 1402 is comprisedentirely of a non-metallic material, the non-metallic materialconfigured for conducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat beingreceived from a heating element 110.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; at least one sensor 410 positioned external to a humidificationcomponent 1402 and coupled with a control module 420, the at least onesensor 410 configured for sensing water related information in thehumidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationcomprising data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element; and a humidification component controller1414 coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value information 1410, a humidificationtarget value 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values,the humidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; at least one sensor 410 positioned external to a humidificationcomponent 1402 and coupled with a control module 420, the at least onesensor 410 configured for sensing water related information in thehumidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationcomprising data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element; at least one groove 904 disposed on aheater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire 802 being positioned in arespiratory gas conduit 810; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof the system associated with the patient, the system including thedevice.

In one embodiment, a device for humidifying respiratory gases includes:a humidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a heating element 110 configured for convertingreceived electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume 404,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404; at least one sensor 410 positioned external to a humidificationcomponent 1402 and coupled with a control module 420, the at least onesensor 410 configured for sensing water related information in thehumidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationcomprising data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element, wherein the humidification component 1402is comprised entirely of a non-metallic material, the non-metallicmaterial configured for conducting heat to the water volume 404, theheat being received from a heating element 110; and a humidificationcomponent controller 1414 coupled with the humidification component 1402and configured for receiving the humidification target value information1410, the humidification component controller 1414 including: ahumidification target value determiner 1416 configured for determining,based on received humidification target value information 1410, ahumidification target value 1418 of at least two possible humidificationtarget values, the humidification target value 1418 identifying ahumidification level setting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element; and at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume404, the humidification component 1402 comprised entirely of anon-metallic material, the non-metallic material configured forconducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat being received from aheating element 110.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for adding water vapor to agas to be provided to a patient to support breathing; and ahumidification component controller 1414 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402 and configured for receiving the humidification targetvalue information 1410, the humidification component controller 1414including: a humidification target value determiner 1416 configured fordetermining, based on received humidification target value information1410, a humidification target value 1418 of at least two possiblehumidification target values, the humidification target value 1418identifying a humidification level setting 1420 corresponding to thepatient.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information including data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element; a respiratory gasconduit 810 comprising an input end 806 and an output end 804, therespiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the inputend 806 and configured to transport the gas to the output end 804; and aheater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, theheater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation within the respiratorygas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to a re-evaporationregion.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for adding water vapor to agas to be provided to a patient to support breathing; a gas deliverydevice 1436 coupled with the humidification component 1402, the gasdelivery device 1436 configured for controlling a delivery of the gas tothe humidification component 1402; and a communication module 1434coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidificationcomponent 1402, the communication module 1434 configured forcommunicating the humidification target value information 1410 betweenthe gas delivery device controller 1442 and the humidification component1402, the humidification component 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436configured for determining, based on the humidification target valueinformation, target operational information of a system associated withthe patient, wherein the system includes the device.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element; and at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume404, the humidification component 1402 comprised entirely of anon-metallic material, the non-metallic material configured forconducting heat to the water volume 404, the heat being received from aheating element 110.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information including data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element; at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; and a humidification component controller 1414coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value information 1410, a humidificationtarget value 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values,the humidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element; at least onegroove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, the heater wire802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume404 and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information 1410, target operationalinformation of the system associated with the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in said humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume,the humidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume, the heat being received from a heating element; atleast one groove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, theheater wire 802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810coupled with the humidification component 1402; and a humidificationcomponent controller 1414 coupled with the humidification component 1402and configured for receiving the humidification target value information1410, the humidification component controller 1414 including: ahumidification target value determiner 1416 configured for determining,based on received humidification target value information 1410, ahumidification target value 1418 of at least two possible humidificationtarget values, the humidification target value 1418 identifying ahumidification level setting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a device for maintaining a water level in arespiratory humidification system includes: at least one sensor 410positioned external to a humidification component 1402 and coupled witha control module 420, the at least one sensor 410 configured for sensingwater related information in the humidification component 1402 andproviding the water related information to the control module 420, thewater related information comprising data configured for being used tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein thehumidification component 1402 is configured for holding a water volume,the humidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume, the heat being received from a heating element; atleast one groove 904 disposed on a heater wire 802 of the device, theheater wire 802 being positioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810coupled with the humidification component 1402; a gas delivery device1436 coupled with the humidification component 1402, the gas deliverydevice 1436 configured for controlling a delivery of the gas to thehumidification component 1402; and a communication module 1434 coupledwith the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidification component 1402,the communication module 1434 configured for communicatinghumidification target value information between the humidificationcomponent 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436, the humidificationcomponent 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436 configured fordetermining, based on the humidification target value information 1410,target operational information of a system associated with the patient,wherein the system comprises the device.

In one embodiment, a system includes: a heater wire 802 that includes:at least one groove 904 disposed thereon, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; and a humidificationcomponent 1402 coupled with the heater wire 802, the humidificationcomponent 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110.

In one embodiment, a system including: a heater wire 802 includes: atleast one groove 904 disposed thereon, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; a humidification component1402 coupled with the heater wire 802, the humidification component 1402configured for adding water vapor to the gas; and a humidificationcomponent controller 1414 coupled with the humidification component 1402and configured for receiving the humidification target value information1410, the humidification component controller 1414 including: ahumidification target value determiner 1416 configured for determining,based on received humidification target value information 1410, ahumidification target value 1418 of at least two possible humidificationtarget values, the humidification target value 1418 identifying ahumidification level setting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a system includes: a heater wire 802 that includes:at least one groove 904 disposed thereon, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; a humidification component1402 coupled with the heater wire 802, the humidification component 1402configured for adding water vapor to the gas; a gas delivery device 1436coupled with the humidification component 1402, the gas delivery device1436 configured for controlling a delivery of the gas to thehumidification component 1402; and a communication module 1434 coupledwith the gas delivery device 1436 and the humidification component 1402,the communication module 1434 configured for communicating thehumidification target value information 1410 between the gas deliverydevice controller 1442 and the humidification component 1402, thehumidification component 1402 and the gas delivery device 1436configured for determining, based on the humidification target valueinformation, target operational information of the system associatedwith the patient.

In one embodiment, a system including: a heater wire 802 that includes:at least one groove 904 disposed thereon, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; a humidification component1402 coupled with said heater wire 802, the humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; and a humidification component controller 1414 coupled with thehumidification component 1402 and configured for receiving thehumidification target value 1418 information 1410, the humidificationcomponent controller 1414 including: a humidification target valuedeterminer 1416 configured for determining, based on receivedhumidification target value information 1410, a humidification targetvalue 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values, thehumidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, a system includes a heater wire 802 including atleast one groove 904 disposed thereon, the heater wire 802 beingpositioned in a respiratory gas conduit 810; a humidification component1402 coupled with said heater wire 802, the humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configured for controllinga delivery of the gas to the humidification component 1402; and acommunication module 1434 coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 andthe humidification component 1402, the communication module 1434configured for communicating the humidification target value information1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof the system associated with the patient.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; and a humidification component controller 1414 coupled with thehumidification component 1402 and configured for receiving thehumidification target value information 1410, the humidificationcomponent controller 1414 including: a humidification target valuedeterminer 1416 configured for determining, based on receivedhumidification target value information 1410, a humidification targetvalue 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values, thehumidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with the humidificationcomponent 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configured for controllinga delivery of the gas to the humidification component 1402; and acommunication module 1434 coupled with the gas delivery device 1436 andthe humidification component 1402, the communication module 1434configured for communicating the humidification target value information1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof a system associated with the patient, the system including theapparatus.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404, the humidificationcomponent 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallic material, thenon-metallic material configured for conducting heat to the water volume404, the heat being received from a heating element 110; a respiratorygas conduit 810 including an input end 806 and an output end 804, therespiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the inputend 806 and configured to transport the gas to the output end 804; and aheater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, theheater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation within the respiratorygas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to a re-evaporationregion.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element 11;a humidification component controller 1414 coupled with thehumidification component 1402 and configured for receiving thehumidification target value information 1410, the humidificationcomponent controller 1414 including: a humidification target valuedeterminer 1416 configured for determining, based on receivedhumidification target value information 1410, a humidification targetvalue 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values, thehumidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient; a respiratory gas conduit 810including an input end 806 and an output end 804, the respiratory gasconduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the input end 806 andconfigured to transport the gas to the output end 804; and a heater wire802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, the heater wire 802including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904 disposed on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation within the respiratory gas conduit 810 andtransporting wicked up water to a re-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for adding watervapor to a gas to be provided to a patient to support breathing, thehumidification component 1402 comprised entirely of a non-metallicmaterial, the non-metallic material configured for conducting heat tothe water volume 404, the heat being received from a heating element110; a respiratory gas conduit 810 including an input end 806 and anoutput end 804, the respiratory gas conduit 810 configured for receivinggas at the input end 806 and configured to transport the gas to theoutput end 804; a heater wire 802 disposed inside the respiratory gasconduit 810, the heater wire 802 including: a sheathing; and at leastone groove 904 disposed on the sheathing, the at least one groove 904configured for wicking up water from a region of condensation within therespiratory gas conduit 810 and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof a system associated with the patient, the system including theapparatus.

In one embodiment, a system for providing humidification to gas to beprovided to a patient to support breathing includes: a humidificationcomponent 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404 and for addingwater vapor to the gas; and a humidification component controller 1414coupled with the humidification component 1402 and configured forreceiving the humidification target value information 1410, thehumidification component controller 1414 including: a humidificationtarget value determiner 1416 configured for determining, based onreceived humidification target value information 1410, a humidificationtarget value 1418 of at least two possible humidification target values,the humidification target value 1418 identifying a humidification levelsetting 1420 corresponding to the patient; a respiratory gas conduit 810including an input end 806 and an output end 804, the respiratory gasconduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the input end 806 andconfigured to transport the gas to the output end 804; and a heater wire802 disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, the heater wire 802including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904 disposed on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation within the respiratory gas conduit 810 andtransporting wicked up water to a re-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, a breathing circuit includes: respiratory gas conduit810 including an input end 806 and an output end 804, the respiratorygas conduit 810 configured for receiving gas at the input end 806 andconfigured to transport the gas to the output end 804; a heater wire 802disposed inside the respiratory gas conduit 810, the heater wire 802including: a sheathing; and at least one groove 904 disposed on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation within the respiratory gas conduit 810 andtransporting wicked up water to a re-evaporation region; ahumidification component 1402 configured for holding a water volume 404and for adding water vapor to a gas to be provided to a patient tosupport breathing; a gas delivery device 1436 coupled with thehumidification component 1402, the gas delivery device 1436 configuredfor controlling a delivery of the gas to the humidification component1402; and a communication module 1434 coupled with the gas deliverydevice 1436 and the humidification component 1402, the communicationmodule 1434 configured for communicating the humidification target valueinformation 1410 between the gas delivery device controller 1442 and thehumidification component 1402, the humidification component 1402 and thegas delivery device 1436 configured for determining, based on thehumidification target value information, target operational informationof a system associated with the patient, the system including thebreathing circuit.

In one embodiment, a method for humidifying respiratory gases, themethod including: receiving 202 electrical energy at a heating element110; converting 204, by the heating element 110, the electrical energyto electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation istransferred to a water volume 404 of a humidification component 1402,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404 that produces water vapor; flowing 206 respiratory gases across theheated water volume 404, wherein the water vapor humidifies therespiratory gases; sensing 502, by at least one sensor 410, waterrelated information in the humidification component 1402, the at leastone sensor 410 positioned external to the humidification component 1402and coupled with a control module 420; and providing 504, by the atleast one sensor 410, the water related information to the controlmodule 420, the water related information including data configured forbeing used to control an operation of a water level control element.

In one embodiment, a method for humidifying respiratory gases includes:receiving 202 electrical energy at a heating element 110; converting204, by the heating element 110, the electrical energy toelectromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation istransferred to a water volume 404 of a humidification component 1402,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404 that produces water vapor; and flowing 206 respiratory gases acrossthe heated water volume 404, wherein the water vapor humidifies therespiratory gases, wherein the humidification component 1402 is entirelycomprised of a non-metallic material.

In one embodiment, a method for humidifying respiratory gases includes:receiving 202 electrical energy at a heating element 110; converting204, by the heating element 110, the electrical energy toelectromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation istransferred to a water volume 404 of a humidification component 1402,thereby heating the water volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume404 that produces water vapor; flowing 206 respiratory gases across theheated water volume 404, wherein the water vapor humidifies therespiratory gases; sensing 502, by at least one sensor 410, waterrelated information in the humidification component 1402, the at leastone sensor 410 positioned external to the humidification component 1402and coupled with a control module 420; and providing 504, by the atleast one sensor 410, the water related information to the controlmodule 420, the water related information including data configured forbeing used to control an operation of a water level control element,wherein the humidification component 1402 is entirely comprised of anon-metallic material.

A method for maintaining a water level in a humidification component,said method including: receiving 1302, at a humidification component1402, heat from a heat source, the humidification component 1402configured for holding a water volume, wherein the humidificationcomponent 1402 is entirely comprised of a non-metallic material;conducting 1304, by said non-metallic material, received heat throughsaid humidification component into said water volume; sensing 502, by atleast one sensor 410, water related information in said humidificationcomponent 1402, the at least one sensor 410 positioned external to saidhumidification component 1402 and coupled with a control module 420; andproviding 504, by the at least one sensor 410, the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationincluding data configured for being used to control an operation of awater level control element.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device for humidifyingrespiratory gases includes: providing 302 a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404; disposing 304 a heatingelement 110 within a base unit; and coupling 306 the humidificationcomponent 1402 with the base unit, wherein the heating element 110 isconfigured for receiving electrical energy and converting the electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, and wherein theheating element 110 is independent of the humidification component 1402.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device for humidifyingrespiratory gases includes: providing 302 a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404; disposing 304 a heatingelement 110 within a base unit; coupling 306 the humidificationcomponent 1402 with the base unit, wherein the heating element 110 isconfigured for receiving electrical energy and converting the electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, and wherein theheating element 110 is independent of the humidification component 1402;and coupling 604 at least one sensor 410 with a control module 420, theat least one sensor 410 configured for sensing water related informationin the humidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationincluding data configured for being used by the control module 420 tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein the atleast one sensor 410 is positioned external to the humidificationcomponent 1402.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device for humidifyingrespiratory gases includes: providing 302 a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404; disposing 304 a heatingelement 110 within a base unit; coupling 306 the humidificationcomponent 1402 with the base unit, wherein the heating element 110 isconfigured for receiving electrical energy and converting the electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, and wherein theheating element 110 is independent of the humidification component 1402;providing 1102 a heater wire 802, the heater wire 802 configured forheating gas inside and between an input and output end 804 of arespiratory gas conduit 810; disposing 1104 a sheathing on a wirecomponent of the heater wire 802, wherein the sheathing includes ahydrophilic component; and disposing 1106 at least one groove 904 on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device for humidifyingrespiratory gases includes: providing 302 a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404; disposing 304 a heatingelement 110 within a base unit; coupling 306 the humidificationcomponent 1402 with the base unit, wherein the heating element 110 isconfigured for receiving electrical energy and converting the electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, and wherein theheating element 110 is independent of the humidification component 1402;coupling 604 at least one sensor 410 with a control module 420, the atleast one sensor 410 configured for sensing water related information inthe humidification component 1402 and providing the water relatedinformation to the control module 420, the water related informationincluding data configured for being used by the control module 420 tocontrol an operation of a water level control element, wherein the atleast one sensor 410 is positioned external to the humidificationcomponent 1402; providing 1102 a heater wire 802, the heater wire 802configured for heating gas inside and between an input and output end804 of a respiratory gas conduit 810; disposing 1104 a sheathing on awire component of the heater wire 802, wherein the sheathing includes ahydrophilic component; and disposing 1106 at least one groove 904 on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region.

In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device for humidifyingrespiratory gases includes: providing 302 a humidification component1402 configured for holding a water volume 404; disposing 304 a heatingelement 110 within a base unit; coupling 306 the humidificationcomponent 1402 with the base unit, wherein the heating element 110 isconfigured for receiving electrical energy and converting the electricalenergy to electromagnetic radiation such that the electromagneticradiation is transferred to the water volume 404, thereby heating thewater volume 404 to achieve a heated water volume 404, and wherein theheating element 110 is independent of the humidification component 1402;providing 1102 a heater wire 802, the heater wire 802 configured forheating gas inside and between an input and output end 804 of arespiratory gas conduit 810; disposing 1104 a sheathing on a wirecomponent of the heater wire 802, wherein the sheathing includes ahydrophilic component; and disposing 1106 at least one groove 904 on thesheathing, the at least one groove 904 configured for wicking up waterfrom a region of condensation and transporting wicked up water to are-evaporation region.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments ofthe technology as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future,i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardlessof structure. The scope of the present technology, therefore, is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein.Rather, the scope and spirit of present technology is embodied by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heater wire comprising: at least one groovedisposed thereon, said heater wire being positioned in a respiratory gasconduit.
 2. The heater wire of claim 1, wherein said heater wirecomprises: a heating component configured for heating a gas inside saidrespiratory gas conduit.
 3. The heater wire of claim 1, wherein said atleast one groove is configured for wicking up water from regions ofcondensation in said respiratory gas conduit and transporting wicked upwater to a re-evaporation region.
 4. The heater wire of claim 1, whereina surface of said heater wire comprises a hydrophilic component.
 5. Theheater wire of claim 1, wherein said at least one groove comprises aV-shape.
 6. The heater wire of claim 1, wherein said at least one groovecomprises a square shape.
 7. The heater wire of claim 1, wherein a firstwidth of said at least one groove at a surface of said heater wire isless than a second width of said at least one groove, wherein saidsecond width is a maximum width of said at least one groove, when viewedin cross-section.
 8. The heater wire of claim 1, wherein said at leastone groove comprises six grooves.
 9. The heater wire of claim 1, whereina plurality of grooves of said at least one groove comprises a pluralityof shapes.
 10. A method for automatically removing condensation from abreathing circuit, said method comprising: wicking up water from aregion of condensation within a respiratory gas conduit, said wicking upwater performed by at least one groove disposed on a heater wire, saidheater wire being positioned within said respiratory gas conduit; andtransporting, by said at least one groove, wicked up water from saidregion of condensation to a re-evaporation region.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: evaporating said wicked up water by a hotsurface of said heater wire.
 12. A method of manufacturing a device forremoving condensation from a breathing circuit, said method comprising:providing a heater wire, said heater wire configured for heating gasinside and between an input and output end of a respiratory gas conduit;disposing a sheathing on a wire component of said heater wire, whereinsaid sheathing comprises a hydrophilic component; and disposing at leastone groove on said sheathing, said at least one groove configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation and transporting wickedup water to a re-evaporation region.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinsaid disposing at least one groove on said sheathing comprises:disposing at least one groove on said sheathing, wherein said at leastone groove comprises a V-shape.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein saiddisposing at least one groove on said sheathing comprises: disposing atleast one groove on said sheathing, wherein said at least one groovecomprises a square shape.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein saiddisposing at least one groove on said sheathing comprises: disposing atleast one groove comprising a first width at a surface of said heaterwire that is less than a second width of said at least one groove,wherein said second width is a maximum width of said at least onegroove, when viewed in cross-section.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein said disposing at least one groove on said sheathing comprises:disposing a plurality of grooves on said sheathing.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said disposing a plurality of grooves on saidsheathing comprises: disposing a plurality of grooves on said sheathing,wherein said plurality of grooves comprises a plurality of shapes thatare different from each other.
 18. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: disposing an additive on said sheathing.
 19. A breathingcircuit comprising: a respiratory gas conduit comprising an input endand an output end, said respiratory gas conduit configured for receivinggas at said input end and configured to transport said gas to saidoutput end; a heater wire disposed inside said respiratory gas conduit,said heater wire comprising: a sheathing; and at least one groovedisposed on said sheathing, said at least one groove configured forwicking up water from a region of condensation within said respiratorygas conduit and transporting wicked up water to a re-evaporation region.20. The breathing circuit of claim 19, wherein said re-evaporationregion is a hot surface along said heater wire.